Late Jimmy Carter Saved Me From Abacha – Obasanjo

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday paid heartfelt tribute to the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter, describing him as a “humanist among humanists” and the only non-African leader to personally intervene for the release of the late General Sani Abacha.

Obasanjo credits Carter with playing a key role in the eventual freedom of Abacha, who was detained in 1995 after criticizing the actions of the military regime. He served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and then for two terms from 1999 to 2007. Obasanjo, who served as a democratically elected president, spoke about his deep personal connection to Carter at a memorial service held in Abeokuta on Sunday. The event, held at the Chapel of Christ The Glorious King at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, was part of a celebration of the life of the former American president.

Reflecting on Carter’s legacy, Obasanjo recalled Carter’s courage and dedication not only in his humanitarian work, but also in his efforts to address the vestiges of colonialism and apartheid in southern Africa.

He also praised Carter’s unwavering support for African prosperity, especially his historic visit to Nigeria in 1978, the first state visit by a sitting U.S. president. Obasanjo shared personal anecdotes about Carter’s efforts to secure his release under the Abacha military regime.

President Carter’s visit to Nigeria was instrumental in getting him released from house arrest after he was detained on Obasanjo’s farm. Obasanjo said, “President Carter is one of my foreign friends who saved my life and offered his own neck to get me released from prison.”

When President Carter visited Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on his farm. But that did not last long.

‘Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter, according to my information, was the only non-African leader who visited Abacha only to plead for my release.

I remain indebted to all those who worked for my release from the camps of Abacha. Abacha made sure I was not released.

However, less than a week after his death, I was released by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. He also facilitated my travel around Africa and other countries to thank all those who worked for my release.

Obasanjo said that Ted Turner, founder of CNN, also requested Carter’s assistance in getting him released from prison, and Turner offered to take care of Obasanjo’s family wherever they stayed.

In the U.S., he called President Jimmy Carter. President Carter made every effort with other leaders, but Abacha continued to refuse to release me. You should see Ted Turner and thank him for his generosity.

He came to me and asked me to release his friend Obasanjo. I will take care of him and his family, either here or wherever he chooses to live’.

Obasanjo said he was deeply moved by the gesture. ‘I was so moved I cried. I immediately went to Ted and expressed to me the same feelings that President Carter had expressed,” he recalled.

‘He proved his generosity and I went back to President Carter whenever I could to express my gratitude to him. Obasanjo added,

“I will miss my great and true friend, but I know I will see him again in Paradise.” Obasanjo also spoke of President Carter’s leadership qualities.

One of the great lessons I learned from President Carter was that in his leadership he brought with him a group of colleagues who shared his ideals and the burden of his work.

He led by example and by humility. May his soul rest in peace,” Obasanjo concluded, reflecting on the lasting impact Carter’s friendship and leadership had on his life and the world.